EducationMalaysia

Medical insurance – Living in Malaysia

Medical insurance for international students in Malaysia

Some HEIs operate their own medical service facilities catering to their students. The students fees paid are usually inclusive of cost of treatment for minor ailments.

However, there are usually one or two private general-practitioner clinics within most neighborhoods, which offer outpatient services:

  • About RM40 to RM60 (USD11 to USD17) per consultation.
  • Price includes medication, so you do not need to get a prescription to get the medication from an external pharmacy.
  • All Malaysian doctors and pharmacists, with the exception of a very few, speak English.

Should you wish to seek medical treatment at a hospital, you may choose to go to either a private hospital or government hospital. Generally, both offer their services to foreigners and can be found in every town. Non-citizens pay a higher rate at government hospitals, but this still tends to be lower than the charges at private hospitals.

It is also wise to take note of the following information in case of emergencies:

  • For  a  government-hospital ambulance and other emergencies, call 999.
  • It is worthwhile to note that success within the academic realm usually requires good physical and mental health. In order to assist you with any physical or emotional problems, most HEIs have medical facilities or counseling services. This will which extend basic health care and emotional support to all registered students.
  • For more information on looking after your health in the tropics (mosquito bites, sunburn, diarrhea, and heat exhaustion) .
Travel and Medical Insurance

Before you depart, it is strongly recommended that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover any overseas medical costs. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the entire duration that you are away and check on the circumstances and activities not covered by your policy

The Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia has made it compulsory for all international students to register for insurance coverage in their respective HEIs. About RM450 to RM600 (USD110 to USD150) is the price of the medical insurance package for one year.

It is important to remember that regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you are unable to afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel.